A generally cylindrical element adapted for immersion in a fluid medium, the cylindrical element comprising an elongate body having a length and a generally circular cross-section, and a plurality of raised body portions disposed about and extending along the length of the elongate body, the raised body portions being arranged generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body and having a height between 2% and 10% of a diameter of the body. The plurality of raised body portions are adapted to reduce vortex-induced vibration and/or drag on the cylindrical element when the cylindrical element is immersed in the fluid medium and there is relative movement between the cylindrical element and the fluid medium.